So, you hate the people who will sit on the sides of the table, right?

What earthly reason would you have to subject people to eating dinner sitting on a bench (especially when the king and queen of the house get to use real chairs)?

Our dining room is small & narrow and we have lots of people over to eat routinely which turns into 10+ chairs/stools etc which then gets all jumbled up and caught on each other when people go to get up and get seconds or use the bathroom etc... I also have 2 4 year olds and benches (padded) would work well for them. Plus, my friends were the one who suggested it so maybe they hate themselves? I'm just trying to get some help with colors and lighting options. Thanks for your concern though

Arcy_gw...the house is very old (1934) and since we just moved in this past June we haven't done renovations yet to expand. Living in DC area, we spent close to $1m for the house and an addition to pop the top and expand out will go for another $250K at least. The kitchen is also tiny and on the other side of the blank wall. It's just so large so I'm thinking a gallery wall of sorts would be a good choice

I agree about benches--don't do it. I agree with a new chandie. I don't like those little shelves. Think big and chunky with your proportions. Could you put a pretty vented cover over the rad and get it to the same height as the console? Simple, lined drapery panels flanking the windows, hung very high would polish the space up quickly.

Your room, lighting, décor, everything seems really fine to me. You've done a beautiful job - and your space looks wonderful.... love the outdoor space, as well. And your furnishings look really good, and comfortable, also. Bench seating is not the most comfortable - unless you're on a picnic grounds - and it's the only seating around... ;) But seriously - if you want a bench by all means - but your seating looks more comfortable. Your Cuba art is great, also - and a friend of mine actually just came back from a trip there (he's a musician - went for a gig), says it's a really interesting place to go.

If you want art - Etsy.com is a good source for art, all kinds - including original paintings. Metal art could also be an interesting option for your wall. If you want new lighting - there are a gazillion options depending on your style... a sputnik style could be fun in your space... check out the Possini company - I like many of their fixtures. They have interesting options for sputniks, interesting track lighting styles, etc. Also, generally speaking, an industrial type of style in a fixture might be interesting in your space.

Honestly speaking, though, I would save your money on any really major décor changes - and do something fun - like maybe take a trip! Your room looks great, and really functional, as is.